Meandering Michigan Series: Grand River Avenue Towns, Williamston

The first stop on the Michigan Meandering of Grand River Avenue is Williamston Michigan. Until my mom moved into the Williamston area about 9 years ago, I hadn't really spent much time there. I had visited some friends once and also been there to eat at Spags (Spagnuolo's Restaurant and Spag's Bar & Grill), a longstanding Williamston eatery.  Since my mom's move, Williamston is now a frequent stop for us.


Shopping
One of our favorite stops is the Michigan Market located in the Keller Building. This store offers a wide variety of Michigan made gifts including jams, snacks. jewelry, cards, and scarves. There are always finding new items to keep you coming back to see what they will have.
If you are looking for a one of a kind gift or piece for you home, stop in to Fireworks Glass Studio. You can watch artists Rhonda Baker and Dave Porter make one of a kind hanging lampshades, vases, and other creative and colorful pieces. Of course, they also offer glassblowing classes for those that are interested in making pieces.


Barrett's is a family owned clothing store in downtown that has been there since 1928. While it many in Williamston visit the store today for Williamston clothing and varsity jackets or school clothing, you can also find both men's and women's clothing and shoes. You can find apparel from Carhart, Stormy Kromer, Dickies, Levi's, Woolrich,  Columbia, Red Wing Shoes, Merrell, Toad & Co., and The Mitten State along with other brands.

On the edge of town, near I-96, near the Antique Market of Williamtson, is Meridorf Meats Market. Like many of the other Williamston businesses, Merindorf's is a family owned business. They have two locations, one in Williamston and one in Mason. They have been in business since 1997. Merindorf's carries a wide selection of beef , specialty smoked meats, and chicken, pork, buffalo, elk, venison items, cheeses, and specialty foods. They offer meat processing for farmers and hunters as well as meat bundles for those that want to purchase a larger amount for better deal. Keep an eye out on their website for weekly deals.

Dinning
Gracie's Place
 Gracie's Place is a great lunch or dinner spot. The food is farm to table with quality ingredients and changes every couple of weeks. They have an vast beer, wine and signature cocktail offering.  While eating, you can also admire the paintings, each month a different artist is featured. If you sit in the back of the restaurant, you can watch the food be prepared.  The last time my mom was there, she said she had to tip the chef because she enjoyed her lunch so much. She had the Jack Donnelly sandwich (turkey, bacon, cranberry and horseradish) with creamy Tomato Basil soup, one of my favorites. Gracie's offers great food in a creative atmosphere. If you are interested in cooking classes, you contact the Gracie's for more information and to reserve a spot in their monthly cooking classes.
Gracie's Brick Wall that features different artists every couple of weeks.
When people think of dining in Williamston, many think of the Red Cedar Grill. Red Cedar Grill is New American cuisine described as Big City Tastes in a Small Town.  The menu at Red Cedar changes seasonally. If you are intrested in a having a drink with your dinner, they have Michigan craft brews on tap, a seasonal cocktails, and an expansive wine list.

The first time my mom invited me to eat at a Golf Course, I was surprised, but pleasantly surprised after dinning there. The menu is fairly extensive with appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches, pizza and flatbreads, Mexican selections, steaks, pasta, and fish. The prices are very reasonable. Be sure to check their website for specials, like all you can eat fish on Friday nights for $11.99 and a lasagna dinner special on Sundays for $9.99 where you can choose from homemade meat or vegetable lasagna.

For more information on Tavern 109, see my past blog post:

Antiques
If you are interested in Antiques, Williamston is the town for you. There are several antique stores in town, our favorites are The Antiques Market, Red Cedar Antiques, and Old Plank Road.

The Antiques Marketof Williamston is a huge building located just off I-96 on the south end of Williamston.  Since 1995 the owners have managed to keep this large building loaded with a variety of items. This antique market is very well known. Be sure to check out their website for monthly specials, photos from booths, and pictures of what's new.

Red Cedar Antiques is a unique and interesting building located on the west side of town. It's divided into small rooms and there are plenty of antiques and vintage collectibles. This is a great place to walk around and shop. 


Old Plank Road Antiques is located right downtown.
Do not let this small store fool you.
They have plenty of good quality antiques.
New pieces come in frequently.









Stay tuned for the other stops on the Meandering Grand River Avenue Towns Series.

More to come from the mind of ...